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ASA’s CEO letter to members and friends

I would like to take a moment to say we are all in unprecedented times. It started with the Pandemic and public health concerns, particularly for our elderly and minority communities who have been disproportionally impacted due to health and economic inequity. Followed by grief, as many in our Society, profession and nation witnessed the senseless injustice over what has recently taken place in Minnesota, as well as in Georgia, Kentucky and New York.

I know several of you may be living in cities where you are experiencing firsthand the protesting that is happening or seeing this on the news. The pain, anger and demand for change are clearly visible around the world and contrasted with the rioting, looting and destruction, which I personally do not agree with. I believe for us to overcome and make any change we must do it peacefully.

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. believed that peaceful protest is how voices are best heard. At ASA we have been listening and have been taking steps to address the fundamental issues of diversity, equity and inclusion including:

• Established a Diversity and Inclusion Taskforce and anti-discrimination policies;
• Continuing hiring a diversified staff and conducting specialized training for the staff;
• Issuing expanded calls for volunteers to foster new leaders and mentors;
• Incorporating inclusive global branding strategies;
• Advocating for profession related minority issues;
• Creating and seeding an ASAEF COVID-19 relief fund; and
• More to come…

What drives and brings our Society and profession together is our shared, passionate belief that appraisers are independent, impartial and most important without prejudice.

I know in my heart we will get through this as there are too many good people out there in this nation and the world that will overshadow the bad. Let’s take the time to listen to each other. This is the only way we will move forward.

We’re truly all in this together – #ASAforAll.

Johnnie White, CEO

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Meet Our Thought Leaders

These leading experts will discuss the latest fair value measurement and valuation, as well as other current and future expected trends regarding the FASB, SEC and international accounting standards at the upcoming ASA Fair Value Virtual Conference scheduled for June 18, 2020 from 1:00pm – 4:30pm ET.

William Johnston, ASA, IA, is Managing Director of Empire Valuation Consultants. He has over20 years of experience in business and intangible asset valuations where he has managed and prepared numerous valuations for financial reporting purposes, including purchase price allocation, goodwill impairment testing, cheap stock and Stock Compensation (ASC 718) and 409A. Mr. Johnson has been a designated member of ASA for 19 years, an active volunteer and currently serves on ASA’s Board of Governors Committee as Business Valuation Discipline Governor.

Raymond Rath, ASA, CEIV, IA, ARM, is Managing Director of Globalview Advisors. He has over 30 years of financial valuation expertise and is a recognized leader in the valuation of businesses, securities interests, and intangible assets, as well as in the valuation projects for financial (both U.S. GAAP and IFRS) and tax reporting, transactions, and litigation projects. Mr. Rath has been a designated member of ASA for 36 years, an active volunteer and currently serves on ASA’s Board of Examiners Committee as Vice Chair for Appraisal Review and Management.

Johnnie White, CAE, is CEO of the American Society of Appraisers. He is responsible for the oversight and management of the Society’s business office and executing the directives set by the ASA board of governors and its executive committee. As an association professional with more than 27 years serving in a variety of management and leadership roles, Mr. White has received numerous awards and recognitions for his association work, including being named one of the top 40 Trending Association Innovators by DCA Live in 2017.

Kevin Prall, CFA, CVA, is Director in the Valuation & Business Analytics of BDO. He has over 13 years of experience in providing financial advisory and valuation consulting services, and specializes in business enterprise valuations, intangible asset valuations, and forecasting for financial reporting, tax, and transaction support. Mr. Prall also currently serves as the Business Valuation Standards Director at the International Valuation Standards Council (IVSC), where he works with global leaders to advance the interests of investors and the capital markets.

David Yates, CPA, is a Practice Fellow with the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB). He has over 14 years of experience in public accounting and has served clients of various sizes in the public and private sectors, including the industrial manufacturing, technology, insurance, distribution and telecommunications markets. Prior to joining the FASB, he was a senior manager at KPMG. Mr. Yates is a frequent speaker and contributing author on financial accounting, mergers & acquisitions, corporate tax, revenue recognition and other related topics.

Mark Zyla, ASA, is Managing Director of Zyla Valuation Advisors LLC. He has over 35 years of experience in business valuation and litigation services, with a particular focus on valuation issues in financial reporting, litigation consulting and valuation issues in tax reporting requirements. He is a frequent presenter, author and instructor on valuation issues. Mr. Zyla has been a designated member of ASA for 29 years, an active volunteer and currently serves on ASA’s Business Valuation Discipline Committee as a Member At-Large.

Mohini Singh, ACA, is Director of Financial Reporting Policy for the CFA Institute. She has over 30 years of experience with a present focus on representing membership interests regarding financial reporting proposals of the IASB, FASB and other regulators, as well as serving on the IAASB consultative advisory group, The IESBA consultative advisory group, and the XBRL US data quality committee. Prior to joining CFA Institute, Ms. Singh served as a Policy Advisor for the Institute of International Finance, General Manager and Financial Controller of Disha and an audit manager at KPMG.

Scott Winters, is an Equity Analyst at BlackRock. He has over 23 years of experience in equity analysis specializing in industrial, energy, material, technology and chemical sectors. Prior to joining BlackRock, Mr. Winters served as an Equity Analyst for Ariel Investments and Oppenheimer Capital, Director of Operations Research & Analysis for Telephia and a Process Engineer for Lyondell Chemical Company. He also has earned an MBA from the Columbia Business School, as well as a BS in Finance from The Wharton School and a BS in Chemical Engineering from the University of Pennsylvania.

Myron Marcinkowski, ASA, CEIV, is Managing Director, Valuation Advisory Services at Duff & Phelps. He has over 33 years of experience in valuation and financial advisory services and has prepared numerous valuations for businesses, securities and tangible/intangible assets for various purposes. He also has appeared as an expert witness, presented and instructed on valuation, and served as a congressional committee advisor. Mr. Marcinkowski has been a designated member of ASA for 27 years and also is a holder of the Certified in Entity and Intangible Valuations™ (CEIV™) credential.

Leigh Miller, Global Valuation, Modeling & Economics Leader at EY. He has over 30 years of experience in leading local and national VME practices and assisting EY clients with complex valuation issues, performing valuations of intangible assets, financial instruments and closely-held business interests for a variety of purposes including financial reporting, buy- and sell-side acquisition analyses, estate and gift tax purposes, income tax purposes and litigation support.

Stamos Nicholas, Principal, at Deloitte. He has over 35 years of experience in providing valuation and financial valuation consulting services worldwide for the purposes of accounting, tax planning, financing, bankruptcy, litigation, mergers and acquisitions, investment and strategic planning. Mr. Nicholas has particular experience in the valuation and assessment of various types of financial securities and intellectual properties. He has testified as a valuation expert on business enterprises and intellectual property in various courts of law including tax court and has extensive experience in dealing with the IRS, SEC and other regulatory and tax authorities worldwide on valuation issues.

Adam Smith, ASA, Managing Director, at PricewaterhouseCoopers. He has over 20 years of experience in valuation. He has performed valuations of businesses, business interests, intangible assets, economic damages, derivatives, and lost profits. His experience includes preparing valuations for a wide range of purposes including financial reporting, litigation support, corporate planning and consulting, mergers and acquisitions, estate and gift tax reporting, and employee stock ownership plans. Mr. Smith has been a designated member of ASA for 15 years.

James Weaver, Principal at LLP KPMG. He has performed hundreds of valuations encompassing most industry sectors including healthcare, financial services, manufacturing and consumer products assists companies with the valuation of business interests, intangible assets, debt instruments, employee stock options, derivatives, and complex securities. In addition, he has extensive financial reporting valuation experience with ASC 805: Business Combinations, ASC 350: Intangibles – Goodwill and Other, ASC 360: Property, Plant and Equipment, ASC 718: Compensation – Stock Compensation, among others. 

Roger Grabowski, FASA, Managing Director at Duff & Phelps. He has over 40 years of experience in valuation services, and has directed valuations of businesses, interests in businesses, intellectual property, intangible assets, real property and machinery and equipment, as well as been recognized in various courts as an expert on matters of solvency, the value of closely held businesses and business interests, valuation and amortization of intangible assets and other valuation issues. Mr. Grabowski has been a designated member of ASA for 43 years.

Be sure not to miss the valuable insight learned from these leading experts!

Register now at appraisers.org/asafvc20 or (800) 272-8258.

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This past May, myself and ASA International President, Douglas R. Krieser, have been busy sharing with various groups our latest insight and experiences on the impact of COVID-19 to ASA members and the profession. Below is a brief recap of our efforts.

Doug shared his personal COVID-19 experience and insight with 3,400+ Chinese valuers via an article published by the China Appraisal Society (CAS) and China Valuer International (CVI). He also shared similar perspectives on potential changes to aircraft travel with 25,000+ readers of Valuation Review.

Doug, as well as myself also participated in the recent 10^th Annual Houston Energy Valuation Conference, held virtually by our Houston Chapter and partner, Business Valuation Resources, where we provided opening remarks to the 205 attendees who joined from 13 states and 4 countries, including Brazil, Canada and Kazakhstan.

I similarly participated in a recent virtual meeting arranged by our Boston Chapter, where I spotlighted ASA’s COVID-19 efforts to support members, the profession and consumers.

As well as oversaw the efforts to partner with 10 other leading valuation professional organizations to send a letter to the IRS and Treasury questioning recent changes in the 6695A pre-penalty review process.

Last, I was recently appointed to the Events Industry Council APEX COVID-19 Business Recovery Task Force, a special global group assembled to curate accepted practices across the events eco-system and provide a framework for meeting face to face again safely. I’m looking to leverage new insights and relationships gained to help better position our International Conference and other future events for post-pandemic success.

To read more about my travels (through zoom) and other important news visit my Message from the CEO column on ASA’s Blog, or follow me on Twitter @johnniewhiteCEO and LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/johnnniewhiteceo for more ASA updates.

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On May 18, ASA and ten other appraisal organizations sent a letter to the Internal Revenue Service and the Treasury Department regarding a recent change to the Internal Revenue Manual affecting the way IRS reviews appraisals prior to imposing a civil money penalty for valuation misstatements under Section 6695A of the Internal Revenue Code. This change reduces the number of individuals involved in the decision to impose a 6695A penalty, and could result in a penalty being imposed without the appraisal in question being reviewed by an individual with valuation training or expertise.

ASA and its partners expressed concern this change could lead to several distinct outcomes:

First, that the reduction in the number of individuals involved in the process (previously, no less than five individuals were involved, including three with valuation training or expertise) could lead to an increase in the number of non-meritorious cases being brought against appraisers.

Second, that the cost of defending against a 6695A penalty and, potentially, lodging an appeal should IRS ultimately impose the penalty, could place appraisers in the difficult position of having to bear significant financial costs or face the reality of no longer performing tax-related appraisal work and the ripple effect such an outcome would have.

Third, that the new process increases the likelihood of factors outside of the appraisal – such as previous interactions or a sense of personal ownership – could drive the imposition of penalties even where there was not sufficient basis in the appraisal itself to support the penalty.

Finally, that the process by which IRS made this change – using a temporary process that did not involve outside stakeholder engagement – failed to take into consideration the potential impact of the change and overlooked the significant collaborative effort that went into crafting the original review process in the first place.

ASA and its partners look forward to engaging with IRS to find a fair solution to this issue that works for everyone, and ensures critical protections for appraisers remain in place.

ASA wishes to thank its partners who signed onto this important letter:

American Society of Farm Managers and Rural Appraisers
Appraisal Institute
Appraisers Association of America
Association of Machinery and Equipment Appraisers
Equipment Appraisers Association of North America
International Society of Appraisers
MBREA | The Association for Valuation Professionals
National Association of Certified Valuators and Analysts
National Association of Jewelry Appraisers
RICS

To read the full text of the letter, click here. To read the January 22 memo announcing the change, click here.

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American Society of Appraisers’ Houston Chapter partnered with Business Valuation Resources (BVR) to host its 10th Annual Award Winning and 1st Virtual At-Home Edition of 2020 Energy Valuation Conference on Wednesday, May 13, 2020.

Event Chair Carol Akers Klug, Sponsor Chair Laurie-Leigh White, Speaker Chair Alan Harp, IT Chair Michael Morgan, Location Chair Paula Lindsey & Treasurer Sumeet Sahnan, provided an overview: “ASA’s CEO Johnnie White and President Douglas Krieser addressed 205 attendees who joined from 13 states and 4 countries from Kazakhstan, Brazil to Canada. By Discipline, 59% were ASAs [36% BV; 17% MTS; 6% ARM]; 27% CPAs; 7% CFAs & 2% industry executives.”

SPEAKERS WERE EXCELLENT & WELL-ROUNDED MIX:

• “I will say that it was just as top-notch as it gets. The content was superb and the smooth tech operations really made
  it one of the best virtual events I’ve attended yet. Your speakers and sessions were, truly, spectacular.” On Webcast
• “I thoroughly enjoyed the virtual conference – found it to be very informative and right on point given our current social
  and economic environment. The speakers were excellent and I look forward to attending next year’s conference –
  virtual or in-person.” ASA.MTS Attendee
• “It was the best virtual format event I have participated in over the last two months (and honestly, pretty wide gap
  relative to second best).” EVC Speaker
• “Featured speakers were remarkable leaders from all sectors of the energy industry demonstrating a variety of
  perspectives in all disciplines: Business Valuation, Machinery & Technical Specialties, Appraisal Review & Management,
  Real Property, among other.”

Can you provide Learning Objectives, Presenters and Topics of the 2020 Energy Valuation Conference?
Houston Chapter’s Energy Valuation Conference is designed to bring together prominent energy valuation professionals along with exceptional networking opportunities. Featured speakers are remarkable leaders in the energy industry from all corners of USA demonstrating a variety of perspectives in BV & MTS:

What makes energy valuation so important to appraisers?

This very dynamic and cyclical industry affects all cities across the world from Denver to Houston to South America. Even if your client isn’t an energy company, energy can still play a vital role in its performance.

What did attendees take away from 2020 EVC?
All gained a better understanding of the current economic and geopolitical conditions of the industry, and learned perspectives on challenges faced in energy valuations in this economic slump and COVID environment. Which sectors will return and when. EVC is a very holistic and well-rounded conference that attendees enjoy and learn from – not just appraisers.

Join as 2021 EVC SPONSOR & GET BENEFITS: https://houstonappraisers.org/energy-valuation-conference-evc/
or email SPONSOR CHAIR Laurie-Leigh White: lwhite@bvagroup.com

SAVE THE DATE FOR 2021 EVC – May 12 or 13, 2021 tbd; Early Bird $250($275) to March; Substitutions; 8 hours CPE/CE.

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Meet Our Thought Leaders

These leading experts will discuss the machinery and equipment opportunities and challenges for valuation and finance professionals during this current crisis at the upcoming 9^th Annual ASA Equipment Valuation Virtual Conference scheduled for June 2, 2020 from 11:00am – 5:30pm ET.

Douglas Krieser, ASA, FRICS, is Founder and President of Valcon Partners, LTD. He has performed and supervised valuations and consulting projects on an international basis for over 30 years. His expertise is primarily machinery & equipment/personal property. However, he has broad experience in performing valuations and consulting projects for a variety of purposes. Mr. Krieser has been a designated member of ASA for 23 years, an active volunteer and currently serves as International President.

Johnnie White, CAE, is CEO of the American Society of Appraisers. He is responsible for the oversight and management of the Society’s business office and executing the directives set by the ASA board of governors and its executive committee. As an association professional with more than 27 years serving in a variety of management and leadership roles, Mr. White has received numerous awards and recognitions for his association work, including being named one of the top 40 Trending Association Innovators by DCA Live in 2017.

Karen Milan, ASA, is Senior Vice President, Complex Properties for Cantrell McCulloch. She has been a personal property equipment appraiser for over 30 years and has performed appraisals across a wide range of industries in most states where business personal property is taxed. Ms. Milan has been a designated member of ASA for 34 years, an active volunteer and currently serves as ASA MTS Committee Chair.

Matt Kaufman, ASA, is Principal of Spearhead Valuation Group. He has supervised appraisal projects around the globe, including mines, sawmills, pulp/paper, utilities, data centers, manufacturing and equipment dealerships; and specializes in valuations for financial and tax reporting, insurance claims and litigation support. Mr. Kaufman has been a designed member of ASA since 2013, an active volunteer and currently serves as the ASA Equipment Valuation Conference Chair.

R. Lee Robinette, ASA, is President of Collateral Evaluation Associates, Inc. He has over twenty five years of machinery & equipment and inventory appraisal experience. His firm specializes in appraising assets from a wide variety of manufacturing and industrial operations, as well as other more specialized or niche operations. Mr. Robinette has been a designated member of ASA for 32 years, an active volunteer and currently serves as a course developer and instructor.

John Russell, is Senior Director of Government Relations and Business Development of American Society of Appraisers. He is an association leader with 11+ years of experience in government relations and business development. Mr. Russell represents ASA in all legislative and regulatory matters at the federal and state level; Orchestrates industry partners and builds coalitions on issues affecting the appraisal profession; and serves on ASA’s cross-functional executive team.

Jack Beckwith, ASA, is Managing Director and President of EAGI. He has over 44 years of broad experience in performing valuations and consulting in a variety of industrial, commercial and institutional properties, as well as being an expert witness. Mr. Beckwith has been a designated member of ASA for 24 years, an active volunteer and currently serves as ASA’s representative on the International Valuation Standards Committee.

Thomas G. Haren, is a Partner with Frantz Ward LLP. He represents growing businesses at each stage of their development, and is regularly asked to serve as outside general counsel for his clients. In that role, he advises clients with respect to innumerable legal issues, including regulatory compliance, corporate governance, contract negotiations, risk management, litigation and other day-to-day business issues. He often works with his clients to achieve long-term success in developing markets.

Scott Whitaker, Is Vice President of Operations Continuum Solutions. He is a highly adept security and law-enforcement Specialist with over 30 years of experience, possessing a solid background as a tactical team member, group leader, staff trainer and operations manager. Mr. Whitaker also has additional experience in collaborating with U.S. and foreign military officials and federal specialists to provide wide-ranging law-enforcement activities.

Kurt J. Rankin, Vice President and Economist of The PNC Financial Services Group. He is responsible for contributing to PNC’s regional, national and international economic analysis, including coverage of metropolitan area economies throughout PNC’s midwestern footprint. Mr. Rankin focuses on econometric model design and improvement, and specifically with operations related to quality control and model validation.

Be sure not to miss the valuable insight learned from these leading experts. Plus…participate in our Virtual Online Networking/Happy Hour and enjoy post conference discussions, trivia and prizes!

Register now: appraisers.org/asaevc20

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This past March and April I have been staying at home, like many others, due to the global COVID-19 pandemic. During this time I’ve been fortunate to continue my ASA leadership responsibilities and coordinate with staff, also working at home, the remote operations for the Society. A detailed account of our efforts to support members, the profession and consumers are noted in our ASA – Out in Front During COVID-19 post.

Prior to this several important events occurred worth mentioning, including: the signing of an MOU with a Nigerian VPO; the first official sale of the newly updated MTS publication; a visitation to ASA’s HQ by leaders of the our strategic partner in Korea, the Korean Association of Property Appraisers (KAPA) and my interview with the Executive Leaders Radio (ELR). Below is a snapshot of these events.

ASA Signs an MOU with Nigerian VPO

ASA and The Nigeria Society for Professional Valuation (SPV) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). The intent of the partnership is to pursue future collaboration in the areas of education, publications, research and standards. A detailed look at ASA’s Strategic Partnership program, including a comprehensive list of current ASA strategic partners like the SPV, is available online at www.appraisers.org/partners.

ASA Records First Official Sale of Newly Updated MTS Publication

ASA International President, Douglas R. Krieser became the first official purchaser of the new Valuing Machinery and Equipment: The Fundamentals of Appraising Machinery and Technical Assets 4th Ed.
Produced by the Society’s Machinery & Technical Specialties Discipline Committee, the release of the updated publication was highly anticipated. I was on hand to receive payment and issue congratulations.

ASA and Korean VPO Leaders Continue Ongoing Strategic Partnership Efforts

Leaders from ASA and the Korea Association of Property Appraisers (KAPA) met at ASA’s headquarters in Reston, VA to continue their strategic partnership in working together to support the appraisal system in their country. Discussions focused on ASA, the U.S. appraisal profession and appraisal review. Meeting participants included: Su-mi Ku, Certified Appraiser, Vice President of International Committee, KAPA; Kwan-heong Song, Certified Appraiser, Chief of Office for Appraisal, KAPA; Ji-hoon Song, Chief of Appraisal Screening Office, KAPA; Dr. Jihee Ahn, Researcher, Korea Real Estate Research Institute; Jaeseon Jeong, Certified Appraiser, International Cooperation team, KAPA; along with myself; ASA COO, Bonny Price; ASA Senior Director of Government Relations and Business Development, John Russell and ASA ARM Discipline Committee Vice Chair, J. Mark Penny, ASA, IA, ARM-BV.

Executive Leaders Radio Interview

I participated in an interview with Executive Leaders Radio. ELR is the #1 business weekly radio show in the Mid-Atlantic states and broadcasts nationally on over one hundred and twenty five (125) terrestrial and internet radio stations, from the most credible institutions including the Chambers of Commerce and Universities. Since 2004 ELR has interviewed over 7,000 CEOs. My discussion with Herb Cohen can be heard here.

To read more about my travels and other important news visit my Message from the CEO column on ASA’s Blog, or follow me on Twitter @johnniewhiteCEO and LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/johnnniewhiteceo for more ASA updates.

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Spotlighting ASA’s efforts to support members, the profession and consumers.

Editor’s note: ASA has been out in front during the global COVID-19 pandemic supporting members, the profession and consumers. The following is chronological update spotlighting ASA’s efforts.

• March 11 – ASA launches a COVID-19 website portal with the latest news, advocacy, resources, practitioner guidance and important links.
• March 13 – ASA CEO, Johnnie White issues important COVID-19 update noting ASA’s initial efforts to address the quickly changing environment.
• March 16 – ASA staff begin remote operations, providing continued support to incoming e-mails, phone calls and website visitors.
• March 16 – ASA announces date change for Houston Chapter’s Expert Witness Workshop & Mock Trial Event for August 27 and related FEWA National Conference for August 28-29.
• March 20 – ASA CEO, Johnnie White provides an update on ASA’s efforts to reschedule or convert in-person classes/events to online formats; to offer membership/reaccreditation assistance programs for members suffering hardships; and collaboration with a coalition of association executives.
• March 20 – ASA signs letter of support with coalition of American business leaders for the Keeping Workers Paid and Employed Act.
• March 23 – ASA releases video of CEO, Johnnie White addressing members.
• March 24 – ASA provides tips on social engineering and e-mail fraud red flags.
• March 25 – ASA begins use of #ASACOVID19 hashtag for social media posts.
• March 25 – ASA organizes and jointly sends petition for appraisers to be considered essential workers to state and local government officials with ASFMRA, AI, MBREA and NAR. Efforts receive media spotlight from Florida Trend, Markets Insider, The Real Deal and The Mortgage Leader.
• March 26 – ASA publishes 10 Must Do’s While Staying Safe at Home tips.
• March 27 – ASA CEO, Johnnie White discusses proactive advocacy and partnership efforts taken.
• March 27 – ASA promotes free April 2 PP COVID-19 webinar online and to related media.
• March 27 – ASA promotes free March 31 RP COVID-19 webinar online and to related media.
• March 31 – ASA organized and jointly broadcasts free webinar COVID-19 Latest Developments and Efforts for Appraisers with MBREA, ASFMRA, IAAO and AI.
• March 31 – ASA promotes eLearning options for BV and MTS professionals impacted by COVID-19 stay at home orders.
• April 1 – ASA releases video of International President, Douglas R. Krieser addressing members.
• April 1 – ASA publishes special April COVID-19 edition of the Valuer newsletters.
• April 1 – ASA converts New York and Los Angeles 2020 ASA Fair Value Conferences into combined virtual online event to be held June 18, 2020.
• April 2 – ASA organizes and jointly broadcasts free webinar Navigating Personal Property Valuation COVID-19 Concerns with AAA and ISA and receives media spotlight from Instore.
• April 2 – ASA’s Houston Chapter converts 10^th Annual Energy Valuation Conference to virtual online event to be held May 13, 2020.
• April 3 – ASA promotes free April 9 MTS COVID-19 webinar online and to related media.
• April 3 – ASA’s North Jersey Chapter to hold virtual board meeting on May 5, 2020 and reschedules the ASA-NAIFA Eastern Region Appraisal Conference to be held November 11-12, 2020 at the Tropicana, in Atlantic City, NJ.
• April 4 – ASA promotes free April 8 BV COVID-19 webinar online and to the national and related media.
• April 7 – ASA issues USPAP Guidance for real property appraisers on COVID-19 Issues.
• April 7 – ASA and other appraisal groups send letter to FHFA urging additional appraisal flexibility for refinance transactions during COVID-19.
• April 7 – ASA promotes free Ally membership offer to new non-member GJ and RP appraisers online and to related media.
• April 8 – ASA organizes and jointly broadcasts virtual town hall Impact of COVID-19 to Global Business Valuation and Appraisal with CBV Institute, NACVA and RICS.
• April 8 – ASA’s offers free Ally membership to new non-member gems & jewelry appraisers in response to COVID-19 for a limited time and receives media spotlight from Instore.
• April 9 – ASA offers free Ally membership to new non-member real property appraisers in response to COVID-19 for a limited time.
• April 9 – ASA organizes and jointly broadcasts free webinar Navigating Machine & Equipment Valuation COVID-19 Concerns with AMEA, EAANA and ELFA.
• April 10 – ASA’s Personal Property Discipline Committee publishes free Suggested Personal Property COVID-19 Statements for PP Appraisal Reports.
• April 13 – ASA International President, Douglas R. Krieser shares his COVID-19 perspective with 25,000+ Valuation Review readers.
• April 13 – ASA promotes eLearning options for RP professionals impacted by COVID-19 stay at home orders.
• April 15 – ASA shares breaking news from Fannie Mae/Freddie Mac on virtual inspections and Federal Reserve/FDIC/ OCC on appraisal deferrals with real property members.
• April 15 – ASA shares breaking news on virtual inspections and appraisal deferrals with 17,000 real estate appraiser subscribers of Appraisal Today.
• April 16 – ASA promotes free April 23 webinar on the Practical Aspects of Personal Property Appraisal online and to the PP and GJ media.
• April 17 – ASA CEO, Johnnie White announces new member offerings, including an expanded line up of online classes and the launch of new listservs for ARM, BV and MTS members in response to COVID-19.
• April 17 – ASA’s COVID-19: Practical Aspects of Personal Property Appraisal webinar receives media spotlight from Instore.
• April 17 – ASA converts 9^th Annual Equipment Valuation Conference to virtual online format and to offer first-ever virtual networking/happy hour event to be held June 2, 2020.
• April 20 – ASA launches new online payment capability for members and non-members.
• April 20 – ASA’s Boston Chapter announces May 6 Virtual Lunch Meeting featuring presentation by ASA CEO, Johnnie White on the State of ASA.
• April 21 – ASA extends early registration deadline for the 2020 ASA International Conference so members impacted by COVID-19 can benefit from significant savings.
• April 21 – ASA offers free GJ120 Introduction to Appraising Jewelry for Insurance Coveragewebinar class to be held May 18, 2020 for gems & jewelry appraisers, retailers and other allied professionals impacted by COVID-19 stay at home orders.
• April 23 – ASA’s Personal Property Discipline Committee broadcast free webinar COVID-19: Practical Aspects of Personal Property Appraisal, featuring special guest appearances by ASA’s CEO, Johnnie White and Senior Director of Government Relations and Business Development, John Russell.
• April 23 – ASA offers free access to expanded library of personal property appraisal webinar recordings for members.
• April 24 – ASA shares breaking news from TAF on updated inspections guidelines with real property members.
• April 27 – ASA promotes eLearning options for PP professionals impacted by COVID-19 stay at home orders.
• April 27 – ASA records greatest single month increase in social media followers during March 2020.
• April 27 – ASA’s important COVID-19 website portal receives over 4,000 page views during March 2020.
• April 27 – ASA’s monthly e-mail volume to members and allied professionals increases 78% over annual monthly averages recording nearly a half a million impressions during the month of March in response to COVID-19 announcements, notifications and breaking news updates. Despite significant increase in volume, opened rates increases three full percentage points.
• April 27 – ASA generates 18 media mentions in the profession and allied trade media, including 10 key mentions spotlighting ASA’s proactive advocacy efforts.

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Editor’s Note: The American Society of Appraisers (ASA) provides listservs for the benefits of its members. ASA understands the importance of keeping members connected by creating an online community allowing members to engage, connect and promote knowledge with others in the field. With the recent launch of new listservs for Appraisal Review & Management, Business Valuation and Machinery & Technical Specialties disciplines we sat down with ASA’s CEO, Johnnie White to learn more.

Q: What was the driving force behind the creation of the new ASA Listservs for ARM, BV and MTS disciplines?

A: The new listservs were put in place in response to COVID-19, the resulting economic uncertainty and the need by members to exchange critical information, ask technical questions, share experiences and make important connections.

Q: Could you tell us a little bit more about it?

A: The primary goal for the new Listservs is to grow and foster a sense of community amongst like-minded professionals. Participants can meet new people and network, share and learn new ideas, gather technical information and feedback, establish credibility and grow their personal brand.

Q: What are some of the benefits of the listserv?

A: Subscribers can exchange ideas, information and experiences in an open and friendly environment. A great resource for networking and problem solving, the Listservs are unique in that they focus solely on issues and concerns specific to their discipline. It greatly helps subscribers by making it simple and efficient to share best practices stories, post information about an exciting tip learned that’s geared towards their specialty and more! The information and contacts gained through this forum will be invaluable. And, it’s easy to participate!

Q: What recommendations would you give to listserv subscribers?

A: We recommend participating in the Listservs often. New conversations and responses are posted daily by fellow appraisers. Subscribers can also post questions to solicit advice and feedback from peers. Its recommend that subscribers ask for responses be sent directly to them and then respond to the entire group once a week. Subscribers should also refrain from personal responses to posts like “thank you” and “good idea” in order to limit the amount of e-mails received.

Q: What will ARM, BV or MTS members have to do to subscribe and use?

A: The process to subscribe and use will be quick and easy. Detailed subscription and instructions are will be sent by e-mail to members prior to launch.

Q: Who do members contact for more information on the listserv?

For information about the new ARM, BV or MTS Listservs, please contact ASA at asainfo@appraisers.org or (800) 272-8258.

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Making the most of your membership to better position your practice or career post-pandemic recovery.

—By Sarah Sebastian, CAE, Director of Membership

As the entire world pauses to address the COVID-19 crisis and resulting economic instability, appraisers across all disciplines are struggling to comprehend the short- and long-term impact on their practice or career. With so many uncertainties and an oversaturation of ever-changing information, many are left struggling as to next steps.

During unsettling times like these experts often advise for you to take stock of your current situation, focus on areas you can control and to take small steps to reach your desired goals. With this in mind the following are important tips for you to consider:

1. Manage Your ASA Communication Preferences – Ensure you are receiving important, crises and other breaking news from ASA, by verifying your contact details and preferences are updated. If you subscribed in the past but not currently receiving alerts, you may have forgotten to update your e-mail address or accidentally unsubscribed.

   Tip: To manage your ASA communications, visit appraisers.org, log in, click Edit Profile, review/edit Contact Details, click Preferences, review/edit e-mail address and communications you wish to receive.

2. Subscribe & Follow ASA’s Social Media – More and more appraisers are on the move, in the field on assignment and out of pocket. Being able to stay connected and engaged with ASA no matter your location ensures you are up-to-date on all things ASA and the profession, saving you valuable time and keeping you ahead of your competitors.

   Tip: Follow ASA on Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn

3. Subscribe & Participate in ASA’s Online Discussions – Your opinions and insights are greatly valued, not only by students, candidates and rising stars in need of advice, but also established members looking for experts to collaborate with on assignments or to refer clients.

   Tip: To subscribe & participate in ASA discipline, chapter, region, or other specialty online discussion boards, visit org, log in, click Edit Profile, review/edit Forum Preferences, select desired Subscription and Delivery Type you wish to receive and save changes. Repeat for Lyris Preferences.

4. Read the Monthly ASA Valuer – Available in discipline-centric editions, the monthly publication contains everything you need to know about your areas of concentration or other areas if desired. Special content areas focus on trending headlines, skill builders, learn + connect opportunities, top stories, CEO insight, member savings and links to connect with other members.

   Tip: Newsletters are generally distributed the first Wednesday of each month. Current and back issues are available at https://www.appraisers.org/asa-newsroom/newsletters.

5. Set Up or Update Your Find an Appraiser (FAA) Portfolio – ASA’s popular online search tool, not only provides a central portal for consumers, end users of appraisal services, referral sources and fellow practitioners to locate and hire qualified appraisers, but it also provides a valuable opportunity to build your online brand, manage your professional reputation and increase your organic search results rankings.

   Tip: To set up or update your FAA portfolio, visit appraisers.org, click My Find an Appraiser Portfolio and complete the convenient and easy Profile Builder. A link for a detailed Step-By-Step Guide is included.

6. Review & Start Your ASA Benefit Partner Savings – ASA’s comprehensive and diverse list of leading vendors provide you with the tools and services you need. Take advantage of exclusive access and discounts only available to ASA members.

   Tip: To review & start your ASA benefit partner savings, visit appraisers.org, click ASA Benefit Partners from the Quick Links menu.

7. Set Up or Update Your ASA Job Bank/Career Center Account – ASA’s Job Bank/Career Center is a valuable tool for both job seekers and hiring employers. Complimentary for job seekers, the service provides for the posting of resumes, searching/applying for jobs, receiving alerts and access to a career learning center. Employers also benefit by being able to post jobs online quickly and easily, manage applications, search resumes and set up alerts.

   Tip: To set up or update your ASA Job Bank/Career Center account, visit asajobbankonline.org.

8. Download and Use the ASA Logo – Leverage the brand that’s recognized around the world for excellence. Don’t miss out on valuable opportunities to include the ASA logo in all key promotional efforts, i.e. your business card, reports, presentations, website, marketing materials, and more.

   Tip: Visit appraisers.org and click ASA Branding Resources from the Quick Links menu. Be sure to review the ASA Branding Guide for usage instructions.

9. Register for an ASA eLearning Course – ASA offers a full line up of eLearning options. These cost-effective solutions ensure your professional development continues without delay or interruption and enables you to meet credentialing, reaccreditation and/or licensing requirements.

   Tip: To register for an ASA eLearning course, visit appraisers.org and select your preferred choice of ASA OnDemand, Webinars/Webinar Series, Webinar Recordings, Audio Recordings and/or OnCourse and eLearning offerings.

10. Get Published – ASA offers numerous opportunities for article submissions. This is the perfect opportunity for you to showcase your specialty knowledge or expertise, not only before your fellow practitioners, but also consumers, end users of appraisal services and referral sources.

    Tip: Email us and submit your ARM, BV, MTS and Consumer Library articles for consideration today! 
    

Following these tips will help you leverage your membership ROI and ensure you hit the ground running when recovery is in sight!

Sarah Sebastian, CAE, Director of Membership Development, manages the development and implementation of all membership recruitment and retention programs. She directs and coordinates the organization’s member services department and actively seeks to grow ASA’s membership base. Sarah has a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Radford University. She is a member of the American Society of Association Executives and is a Certified Association Executive. Prior to ASA, she worked for the Colorado Society of CPAs and the American Academy of Audiology. Sarah can be reached at ssebastian@appraisers.org or (703) 733-2138.